So it begins with a big upset.
How often does a 16-point underdog win the game? It’s got to be less than 1 in 10, right?
But that’s part of the appeal of college football: Even the obvious isn’t always obvious.
Montana 38, North Dakota State 35
Down 35-31 with 1:39 to go, Montana drove 80 yards in 16 plays for the game-winning touchdown. It was scored by Joey Counts on 4th and goal from inches away with :02 to play.
Making his first start at quarterback for the Grizzlies was Brady Gustafson. It wasn’t a bad debut –
434 yards and three touchdowns against the four-time defending FCS national champions.
Gustafson kept the final drive alive by completing a 4th and 10 pass to Reese Carlson for 31 yards to the 13-yard-line with 0:21 to play.
Montana ran 92 offensive plays and gained 544 total yards, averaging almost 6 yards per play.
North Dakota State’s outstanding punter, Ben LeCompte, punted five times, averaging 46.6 yards per kick with a long of 67.
Congratulations, Griz. And thanks to both teams for a fantabulous start to the 2015 college football season!
